Steve M.
06-08-2005, 11:00 PM
Nick Lowe, one of the leading producers of Britiah New Wave in the late seventies, produced Elvis Costello and made several fine records of his own - along with playing bass in the short-lived supergroup Rockpile. He is certainly a strong candidate for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here are the pros:
As noted, he produced Elvis Costello.
He wrote "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding."
His single "Cruel To Be Kind" was a moderate hit in the States.
He once said Genesis was as exciting as a used Kleenex. Admit it; you know he's right!
He proved his ability to write a song about anything when he wrote a song about a Bay City Rollers concert - "Roller Show," which topped the singles charts.
Cons:
"Roller Show" topped the charts all right, but in Japan.
Lowe wrote "Marie Prevost," about a silent film star who was eaten by her own dog. Not a nice topic for a pop song.
Lowe's 1977 debut album, Pure Pop For Now People, was released as Jesus of Cool in his native Britain, and maybe Americans - especially in the red state of Ohio, where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located - wouldn't tolerate someone of such blasphemous cheekiness in the R&RHoF.
Like Graham Parker, his later work isn't as distinctive as his early triumphs.
So will he get in? :)
As noted, he produced Elvis Costello.
He wrote "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding."
His single "Cruel To Be Kind" was a moderate hit in the States.
He once said Genesis was as exciting as a used Kleenex. Admit it; you know he's right!
He proved his ability to write a song about anything when he wrote a song about a Bay City Rollers concert - "Roller Show," which topped the singles charts.
Cons:
"Roller Show" topped the charts all right, but in Japan.
Lowe wrote "Marie Prevost," about a silent film star who was eaten by her own dog. Not a nice topic for a pop song.
Lowe's 1977 debut album, Pure Pop For Now People, was released as Jesus of Cool in his native Britain, and maybe Americans - especially in the red state of Ohio, where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located - wouldn't tolerate someone of such blasphemous cheekiness in the R&RHoF.
Like Graham Parker, his later work isn't as distinctive as his early triumphs.
So will he get in? :)